South Korea-based Hwaseung Footwear Group will set up its first non-leather footwear manufacturing unit in India, with an investment of Rs 1,720 crore in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.

The project marks the company’s India entry and is expected to generate 20,000 direct employment, making it one of the largest employment-generating footwear projects in the state. Industries Minister TRB Rajaa stated that the investment is a result of the Tamil Nadu government’s efforts to translate MoUs signed during the TN Rising Tuticorin Investors Conclave into tangible projects. The conclave, held on August 4, witnessed the signing of 41 MoUs worth Rs 32,553.85 crore, projected to create nearly 49,845 work opportunities across the state.

Chief Minister MK Stalin met with Hwaseung’s senior executives at the Secretariat to finalise the project. TRB Rajaa expressed confidence that this initiative would strengthen Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing ecosystem and contribute to inclusive growth. Since 2021, the state has attracted investment commitments of Rs 10.32 lakh crore, with 77 percent of MoUs already grounded as projects.